Combustion System Comprising an Electrolyser

Abstract

A system comprises, in addition to a combustion engine having a hydrocarbon fuel inlet line and a line for fuel exhaust, an electrolyser capable of converting water to hydrogen and oxygen, and an outlet line for the hydrogen at least, wherein the outlet line leads to the engine or to the exhaust line.

1 . A system comprising, in addition to a combustion engine having a hydrocarbon fuel inlet line and a line for fuel exhaust, an electrolyser capable of converting water to hydrogen and oxygen, and an outlet line for the hydrogen at least, wherein the outlet line leads to the engine or to the exhaust line. 
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet line leads to the engine and the system additionally comprises means for controlling the relative amounts of fuel and hydrogen that pass to the engine. 
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet line leads to the engine and the vehicle additionally comprises means for supplying the engine with hydrogen under predetermined conditions only. 
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein the predetermined conditions are starting and/or acceleration. 
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet line comprises a gas storage device, and the system comprises means for controlling the amount of hydrogen that passes to the engine or the exhaust line. 
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet line leads to the exhaust line. 
   
   
       7 . A system comprising, in addition to a combustion engine having a hydrocarbon fuel inlet line and a line for fuel exhaust, an electrolyser capable of converting water to hydrogen and oxygen, in said line. 
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 1 , which additionally comprises means for monitoring a condition of the system, and means for controlling the system in response thereto. 
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrolyser comprises electrodes separated by a hydrophilic membrane. 
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 1 , which is a mobile system. 
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the electrolyser is provided separately, and the on-board system comprises means for storing hydrogen at least. 
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 10 , which is a motor vehicle, aeroplane or ship. 
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 7 , which additionally comprises means for monitoring a condition of the system, and means for controlling the system in response thereto. 
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 7 , wherein the electrolyser comprises electrodes separated by a hydrophilic membrane. 
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 7 , which is a mobile system. 
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 15 , wherein the electrolyser is provided separately, and the on-board system comprises means for storing hydrogen at least. 
   
   
       17 . The system according to  claim 15 , which is a motor vehicle, aeroplane or ship.